"Oh man, thanks a lot Akari!"

" 'Oh man, thanks a lot Akari!' is not what I wanna hear from you, Taiki!" Akari was once again chastising her childhood friend after another bout of overexertion from being overly kind and helping other clubs. In other words: Taiki never changed. The knowledge was reassuring for the most part, the boy remained his kind and thoughtful self, forever coming to the aid of anyone in need and unable to turn his back when he is called upon. That being said, however, was the exactly reason why Akari would never stop admonishing her close friend. He treated his health too recklessly and it was her job to make sure at least one of them monitored his wellbeing.

"You know I couldn't turn my back on them! Their pitcher is home sick with a really bad cold." by now it was routine, Taiki got himself caught in all kinds of spots helping out other sports. When he had first formed his street basketball team Akari was wary of the add-on exertion to his already terrible track record of keeping himself in working condition. She had constantly worried and would keep tabs.

"Honestly, and I was just starting to think that you were getting better! Why does this happen every time I come by?" with a slight huff she began the age-old tirade of listing off Taiki's newest transgressions and their eventual detriment to himself. Though the words were chiding Taiki knew them well. He responded in like by trying to ease Akari's concerns, knowing full well how much time she spent worrying over him.

xXx

The perfect relaxed September day was finally within his grasp, Yuu had been cooped up working with his fellow officers on an upcoming fall event and was glad to finally be done with his student council duties. Though he wasn't too keen on joining at first and only ran because his mother had brought it up as a suggestion and encouraged-more like badgered-him into it. Having had no experience with student councils he hadn't expected much to come of it, life however had a funny way of working.

Recapping his pen Yuu stowed his supplies and began the clean-up. With the paperwork organized and the student council finally caught up on its budgeting and event planning Yuu allowed himself the satisfaction of sitting and enjoying the afternoon through the window. He had finished earlier than expected, the budget papers hadn't given him any troubles and the club requests had gone smoothly. Upcoming events had been scheduled and further meetings wouldn't be until they drew nearer. Overall, the workload was large but the tasks hadn't been less trouble than he had anticipated. Everything had fallen into place beautifully.

Yuu could see the school's baseball field in the distance where Taiki was supposed to be standing in as a pitcher for the afternoon. Tagiru should have been finishing up some cram lessons if all was going well, and the plan had been to meet up later on.

Swinging his bag onto a shoulder Yuu bid the president and vice-president a good afternoon before departing down toward the field. His quick and eager steps echoing in the hallways as he passed by empty classrooms; without a thought, his feet guided him to the classroom where Tagiru should have been finishing his lessons one floor down. His hands idly playing with the knot of his tie, the fall-winter uniform was still a tad too warm for the early September days.

Though nothing would spoil his mood; today had been a good day and it would continue being so, he could just feel it.

xXx

"A-Akari-san! What are you doing here?" Yuu hadn't heard anything about the redhead coming to visit, Taiki would have made sure to mention something in passing if he knew. Tagiru bounded off toward the two sitting in the grass and plopped himself down right in front, his bag thrown to the side.

"Ah, Yuu! Tagiru! How are you two?" her greeting was far cheerier than she looked, A familiar bag hung off her shoulder and a very familiar blue pillow was peeking out. It didn't take more than a second for the dots to connect and Yuu pieced together what must've taken place at practice.

"What brings you here?" taking a seat next to Taiki Yuu eyed his senior, checking for any damage or signs of fatigue. He looked healthy, so maybe the pillow was just a precaution...?

"Well I was just going to come for a visit and surprise you all...but someone was on the verge of pass out again when I got here." Yuu could see Taiki visibly flinch and look anywhere else but the girl beside him. "Seeing as how I have to always be prepared I managed to save Taiki's face from a very intimate meeting with the ground." her words weren't very biting, but they were definitely a little icy.

Scary.

"H-hey now!" Taiki threw his hands up in defense, waving them about in an attempt to placate the girl, "Don't make it sound dramatic, it really was nothing. And it doesn't happen all the time. Right, Yuu?"

"Again though, Taiki-san?" Yuu let out an exasperated sigh, "You really should be taking better care of yourself. You know your limits better than we do and should have called for a rest or for an early end to practice if you were starting to feel it. I-I think it's very selfish of you in a way to be like this...Akari-san has to worry about you all the time and has to carry that pillow around whenever she goes to meet you, and Tagiru and I don't exactly have her skill to break your falls when it's just us. Though thankfully it doesn't happen when it is just us, it would put us in a bind if it did and she wasn't around."

It was silent for a moment and Yuu fretted that maybe he had overstepped a boundary. Akari was within her right to scold Taiki since they were childhood friends and she had been doing this since day one. And while they were close Yuu had never spoken up about Taiki's health like this before, the topic being too personal and familiar for him to want to breach.

Maybe he was grossly out of turn to say something.

Scrambling to piece together an apology Yuu was cut off as Taiki spoke.

"You're right, I'm sorry." all heads snapped toward Taiki, Akari swore she got whiplash and Yuu was lost for words. He had never heard Taiki apologize to Akari about mistreating his personal health, he always tried to play it off and she understandably got a little ruffled.

"E-eh?"

"I'm sorry for worrying you too, Yuu. I'll try harder next time."

"I wasn't trying to-"

"Thanks for worrying about me too." Taiki's affectionate smile and equally affectionate pat of his head caused heat to rise to Yuu's cheeks. It was happening a lot recently, normal interactions were starting to affect him in strange ways and it wasn't like he could bring it up in conversation. What could he even say?

'Hi Taiki-san could you try and not be so friendly? It makes me feel a little weird, my heart speeds a little and I almost lose all my words. Thank you!' Most definitely not something that could be slipped into casual conversation, let alone something to bring up any other time. It was absolutely no good.

"You're welcome...I guess." without anything else to say Yuu settled for accepting the apology and letting the topic die, ducking his head to keep his face away from any prying eyes.

Akari remained silent, partly stunned that Taiki had actually apologised for overworking himself and partly because she had taken notice of the seemingly casual interaction. Taiki's hand had lingered as he was pulling away; the hesitation and curling of his fingers hinted at something deeper, and If she was going to have an honest conversation with Taiki, Yuu and Tagiru couldn't be around. After all it had been her entire reason for coming to see him.

The entire walk back to Taiki's had been consumed by conversation, unfortunately Tagiru had to run home and Yuu had been called away to the student council right as they were leaving. While regrettable it did give Akari the chance to have uninterrupted talk, giving her a feel of how to approach her self-given mission. Thankfully his room was unoccupied since the digimon were in the living room watching some sort of live-action children's show.

While the existence of Digimon remained largely unknown the families of the Hunters couldn't stay in the dark forever. Especially since the Kudou household was mostly spared of Quartzmon's absorption until the very end. Taiki's mother had taken the reveal of the existence of digimon quite well, now believing in Taiki's stories from his first visit and had gladly met with Shoutmon and the others. The digimon were always welcomed at the Kudou home and dinner with digimon became commonplace when they came around. Similar things could also be said about the Amano and Akashi families, especially after the incident with Harpymon a couple years back.

Closing the door to the room Taiki took a seat at his desk while Akari made herself at home on the bed. Their earlier conversation forgotten as a companionable silence settled.

"Ne, Taiki?" Akari spoke up after some time, drawing said boy's attention away from his texting. She didn't even have to ask who was on the other end judging at how engrossed he was.

"Yeah? Something the matter? You've been kinda...spacey?." Taiki set his phone down and turned his chair, giving her his full attention.

"Everything's fine. Is Yuu finally done with whatever it was?"

"Oh! Yeah, he just finished." Akari didn't miss how his eyes wandered toward the phone sitting face down on the desk. She could almost see him fighting the urge to check it.

"Yuu's had a busy day huh?"

"Yeah, the student council has had some bad luck recently with getting stuff done. Apparently, they were missing a lot of paperwork and getting things approved was harder than it should've been. And since Yuu's job is basically all finances he's had to hunt down all the paperwork for the events, he's been spending most afternoons on student council work."

"If anyone can handle all the work it's our Yuu. You sound worried though."

"Ah, I mean between his studies and basketball he's fine. But the added student council work is new. I just don't want him to take on too much, I think I'm starting to rub off a little. I have a lot of faith in what he can do, but I don't want him spending all his free time working on something or other, ya'know? He's a little too young for sleepless nights working."

"You know, Taiki, you talk about him a lot. It's always "Yuu and I did this..." or "I went over to Yuu's..." he's been a big conversation topic recently." it might take a little prodding, but Akari wasn't at all having a hard time getting Taiki go on about the blonde.

"Huh? Do I? I didn't notice. Sorry, Nene asked me to watch out for him and-"

"It's not like that." she shook her head "I get it that you feel like you have to keep and eye out, but like you just really like talking about him in general. You're really fond of him. I can hear it in your voice."

"Ah, yeah I guess…."

"He's pretty grown up now isn't he? Nothing like the kid we saw in the Digital World."

"Yeah, he's always been mature. I was worried he might turn out kind of stiff and serious after everything, but I guess Tagiru does a good job at keeping him from ever getting there."

"I was surprised, how much about him changed in the first year. He really opened up to you."

"That's not something to credit me for though, he did it himself. Yuu's stronger emotionally than most people may be, that's his strength: empathy. When the hunt still went on he and I did a lot of background work while Tagiru dove headfirst into hunting. You should have seen us: me and Yuu practically sneaking around and trying to gather information on the hunt and trying to keep a leash on Tagiru. We ended up spending so much time at his place that it seemed like I lived there some days. And I guess...that was when I..." a look of deep thought took over, his grey eyes a little glassier than normal, fixated on the wall, and his stare far off as if he was sorting through memories.

"You what?"

"I realised that Yuu was just a lonely kid that honestly trusted too much but was scared of the world. I mean, that was what got him caught up in the whole mess, he was too idealistic and got hurt because of it. He wanted to be stronger to make up for what he did, and for a while he hadn't been able to forgive himself. Not until Damemon returned. That I think was why he couldn't get along with Tagiru until after the hunting was done. He couldn't stand the enjoyment Tagiru got out of it, he just wanted to prevent anyone from making his mistake."

"I could see why any fun out of hunting would trigger him. He was responsible for plenty of horrible things, even if indirectly he felt responsible."

"Yeah, Tagiru while not always the brightest and most sensitive understood Yuu's sentiments somewhat. I guess when it boils down I feel protective…? I'm not sure if that's the right word but I think it sums it up. Even if none of us talk about it Yuu has changed, but at the core those qualities that got him into trouble are still there. Maybe it's terrible and a little selfish, but I want to stay important to Yuu and…I want to protect him, even if he doesn't need me I still want to be someone he depends on for the little and big things." Taiki's eyes never moved from the wall, his gaze still far off lost in his own thoughts.

"You're so in love with him and you don't even know it." the word tumbled out before she even realised, quickly covering her mouth, though it would do no good. Akari had thought the phrase countless times over the past months she hadn't meant for it to slip, however it was done and she was prepared for a myriad of responses: a stunned silence, a surprised yelp, absolute denial, forced laughter, even flat out guffaws that would bring tears to his eyes. But she was not expecting the blank look, eyes staring back at her.

"What?" was all he said. Taiki was calm and his expression remained neutral. There was no outburst of emotion, nothing at all really.

"You really don't see it? I thought you would know yourself better than that, Taiki."

"I-I-I don't know what to say..." contemplation took over his features, Akari's knowing smile and silence allowed him time to process his thoughts. Sometimes Taiki just needed a little silence to think things through, he didn't need her to talk him through it and bounce thoughts off of, but rather he needed her silent company: he needed her solid support.

"What are you thinking?" Akari tentatively breeched the stillness of the room.

"I don't know what to think honestly. What do you think?" Taiki was lost, for once he encountered something that he couldn't think of a plan of attack for.

"I think that there is nothing wrong with you liking Yuu, this had been a long time coming." Taiki's baffled look was a little amusing she would admit, never had he seemed so unsure, "I also think that there is a lot of time for you to think and figure yourself out. I've never seen you so much as give someone else a second glance or have even a little crush on anyone that wasn't a teacher when we were kids. So this is kinda new for you. But it seemed to me that you and Yuu are a good match, you're very attentive when it comes to him and I've never seen you so eager to spend so much time with someone. You never stop checking your phone and you're very quick to talk about him. I'm not here to judge or anything, I want whatever makes you happy, and Yuu seems like a good candidate for that."

"You really think so?"

"Look Taiki, if Yuu isn't a strong runner than I don't know who else would be. He's been the only person so far that had gotten you to possibly consider your health more," hiding from Akari's glare was impossible and Taiki took it without complaining, but her eyes soon softened,"you don't have to break yourself thinking so hard about it, you have time to think it through. Maybe I'm wrong but I think you should take some time to reflect a little, there's plenty of time for it anyhow."

"Maybe...a part of me already knew it," Taiki shrugged a grateful smile on his face and eyes soft, "thanks, Akari."

"No problem, what are friends for?" both made their way to the living room, joining the digimon for some snacks and an afternoon in catching up.

xXx

The four rings it took for his video call to be answered felt like an eternity. With Akari gone but their earlier conversation and his recent revelation fresh in mind Taiki needed an outlet. His friends in Koto were no good since one was a loudmouth and the other was why he was calling the only other people he could talk to: Kiriha and Nene. The two ex-generals were longtime friends and a good support system, not to mention a fountain of sage-like advice when it came to his predicament. If the digimon noticed anything wrong they hadn't said anything, but also had strangely given him the space to call the two.

"Yo, Taiki." Kiriha's grainy faced appeared in one corner of his monitor, a towel thrown around his shoulders and looking like he just finished a shower. The box next to his however still displayed a picture of Nene, the girl herself having not picked up before the call automatically ended.

"Kiriha! How are you?"

"I'm doing well. I would ask how you're doing but it seems as if you've run into a tough spot, eh?"

"Ahaha, yes well it isn't quite like that but-" the ringing of an incoming call request cut him off. Pressing the accept icon the picture and loading circle was soon replaced by the presence of one of Asia's hottest idols.

"I'm sorry you two! I was in the middle of a call with Yuu. I'll definitely have to call him back tomorrow, now." Nene said, her loose hair having been braided and tossed over a shoulder, the camera shaking as she adjusted her laptop to sit in her lap.

"Oh! I didn't realise that Nene, I'm sorry," guilt settled into Taiki, it felt absolutely wrong to be talking with Nene knowing that she had to cut a call with Yuu short.

"It's fine, he was a little distracted anyways. But...what was this about an SOS and needing some advice Taiki?"

"Yes Taiki, do tell. I am curious at what dilemma Xros Heart's general is in."

And so, he began, recounting the entire afternoon conversation with Akari, down to the exact wording used and his own private thoughts. Kiriha's and Nene's expecting eyes never leaving his face and both remained entirely silent, their faces betraying no other emotion, content with allowing Taiki the release and the free flow of his thoughts. By the end of it the three sat in silence processing the new information, searching for words.

Kiriha was the first to speak up, "I see, so you're a little confused on where to go is what I am hearing?"

"Uh, yeah...I guess...? I'm just not sure of myself right now and I just-I feel-argh, I don't even know how to describe it. Like it all makes sense and everything is so clear now, but at the same time it's new to me. But I can't stop thinking now that I've started." Taiki threw himself onto his back onto the mattress, taking the laptop with him.

"Well, I'm not sure how much help I'll be, but you're free to ask me questions. Maybe my answers can help you answer some of your own?" Kiriha sounded apprehensive, never had Taiki heard the Blue Flare general sound so unsure. Kiriha went about everything with a sort of confidence that many would envy, he was so self-assured that Taiki had been counting on him for solid advice.

Maybe even step-by-step instructions.

"How did you do it? You and Nene just kinda got together, I never saw it happen. One second the war ended and the next you two were basically dating."

"It's not as simple as you make it sound. For a while me and Nene were in limbo about what we were, I mean we both realised that we found each other attractive and would've liked something more...but neither one of us knew how to go about it. Then we all went our separate ways."

"So then what changed?"

"Ahh, that's a little hard to answer. We just kept contact? There were conversations between the three of us, and then there were conversations between just the two of us if it makes sense. Things naturally fell where they did and when I went to see Nene in Hong Kong for the first time we went out and had a good time."

"Just like that and everything worked?" it sounded so easy like it was something as natural and casual as walking down the street.

"I wouldn't say worked. It wasn't all smooth sailing. I wasn't good with come cues, didn't know what to say, we were new at it too."

"Still not helping me...I just...want to know where to start?

"Where you are is fine. You and Yuu seem to be in a good place, you're close friends and Nene says you're like family already." Taiki let the small jab slide since he needed the other's help, "Nene says you two are constantly messaging when you're apart, even late at night."

"She what?"

"We talk. And she talks about Yuu. She says you come up a lot when they're talking. He's told her that you two are always texting or on the phone. You're basically in the early stages of either dating or "getting to know each other" i.e. flirting right now. Honestly, you're a lot farther along than you realise. Given more time and you probably would have figured it out eventually, sounds like Akari just got tired of watching you."

Flipping over Taiki wanted to bury his face in a pillow and scream. Was everyone more aware of his love life than him? "Do you have anything to say, Nene? You've been quiet and it's making me uneasy. We're talking about your brother here and this is probably awkward for you."

"Not exactly, though I can't imagine how you feel...asking your crush's sister for advice." her giggle did enough to ease his nervousness. At least he knew Nene was supportive...?

"Don't worry Taiki. Nene is in full support of you and Yuu. You'll have her full cooperation and access to all the advice she can offer." Kriha's reassurance didn't do much, if anything.

"Yeah, I can always be your insider and get information out of him. I can even drop hints. I'll tell you everything you need to know to successfully woo Yuu and sweep him off his feet in no time. Promise."

"Nene!" Taiki's indignant yell coupled with a blazing red blush would only serve as fuel for further future teasing he knew.

"I'm kidding, mostly, but what I can do is help you and Yuu along. Trust me, if I didn't think you had a chance I would've already stopped this."

"Gee, thanks for the vote of confidence." Taiki wasn't quite sure how to take the girl's words, but nonetheless she was encouraging.

"We're here if you need advice or anything. But you're both smart boys I'm sure you won't be dancing around each other like most teenagers." Kiriha said.

"Yeah, well, it's getting late. Thanks you guys, even if it wasn't a lot of help I feel better."

"Good to hear, I'll talk to Yuu and get a feel for you." Nene promised, a gentle but impish smile on her lips.

"Call if you have any other questions I can answer. Night."

"Thanks again."

"Good night"

"Night." Taiki signed off and closed his laptop, staring at the white ceiling his mind drifted back on memories during the past few months. Reflecting back, everything had seemed so normal and easy, he hadn't spared a thought at his actions and had chalked it all up to being close friends. But now looking at it again without the context of the moment he could see how everything could've had a romantic tinge to it. He also didn't know when he had developed such a habit of stealing light casual touches of the other: ruffling his hair or a touch on the shoulder, Taiki had to admit he was always trying to get a little closer, even just for a second.

The sudden buzz of his phone drew his attention to the desk where it had laid silently the entire call. Heaving himself up and toward his desk to put the laptop away and pick up the device excitement bubbled up and a smile broke on his face. Quickly swiping to answer the message Taiki wasted no time for a response.

He had it bad didn't he?

A/N: I have no idea what I am even writing anymore. I always have a snippet in mind but building the story outward is not easy-ask any writer-and I think my original idea got lost in the story somewhere in there. Wasn't really feeling the conversations and I wasn't quite sure where they were all going, so it ended up as a long chapter of basically loose words and conversations. After last chapter with Taiki's crush filter going pretty hard I'm trying to cut back on super flowery language. But we will see since I really like descriptors in my writing.

Of course as always I'd love a review or just a simple comment! I would never withhold updates or stories if I don't get anything-not like I can control myself from posting when I have ideas anyways-but they are appreciated and good motivators! Especially since I'd love to create more content if people are interested.

xoxo

Dragon